Once A Lost Girl | Once Upon A Time Story | Peter Pan

03x07 - The Start of Misfortune - Past

I picked up the pace, careful of any tree roots that might trip me. My heart was in my throat. I felt like crap, but I pressed on. I just had to make it to Baelfire's place.

A few fronds from a tree slapped me in the face. A bush branch snapped off as I walked by. I paused and chucked it further into the wood. Cover your tracks--that's what I had to learn. I kept moving. The heat seemed to get thicker and wetter as I moved further into the heart of the island. Soon enough, I made it to Bae's. He was standing outside of his cave, talking to a girl with long, straight black hair and medium-brown skin.

"This plan is insane," the girl said, "You honestly can't expect her to be able to fight him."

"She'll pull through. I believe that."

"You haven't heard from her in days."

"Only because Pan wouldn't let me out of his sight," I interjected, "but I'm here now." They turned to me. Bae looked relieved. The girl next to him looked me up and down, studying me.

"Elyssa!" Baelfire ran over. I hugged him. "You made it. I was getting worried."

"So was I," I remarked, "Felix has been ordered to follow me around but today they went off somewhere, so I took the chance to come see you. Who's your friend?"

The girl spoke for herself, "Tiger Lily. You're the girl Tinker Bell told me about: the one Pan actually listened to."

"My name is Elyssa."

"Tiger Lily is gonna help us--" Bae started.

"I won't," she snapped, "It's hard enough when Pan doesn't care who you are--You're crazy if you think I'm going to make sure he doesn't like me." Tiger Lily walked towards us and paused. "Execute your stupid plans by yourselves. I'm not letting you put a bounty on my head." she left.

Bae led me inside. That encounter with Tiger Lily left me oddly confused. She reacted so strongly, and I think for the first time I understand why. The way Peter acted when I got back here was so strange. I'd ever felt threatened by him before, so why all of a sudden was he acting like this? He said it was because he was scared--but I'm not convinced. He was saying all of the right things, so why am I so doubtful of him?

I sat against the wall near Baelfire's cot. He walked over to his bag and started rummaging through it. A tiny once-over of the cave and I noticed he had extra supplies. There was a bowl full of berries, what looked like a half-done rope, and a bag full of... something. I fiddled with my bow, waiting to speak until Bae was finished.

"Do you think people can change, Baelfire?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you think someone who's bad can become good?" I traced the burned swirls on my bow. "Like, if someone who's made wrong decisions doesn't want to be that way anymore, could they become good again?"

He looked at me uneasily. "Why do you ask?" Bae's tambour was slow.

"Just curious."

"You sure you aren't asking because of Pan?"

I paused. "I don't know."

Bae only sighed, before grabbing a coconut that he'd cut in half. There was a candle melted into one end, and holes on the other. I shifted to sit criss-cross applesauce.

"Remember this?" Bae started. "We can use it to trap Pan's shadow. I just need you to make sure he can't get out."

I furrowed my brow, "like a barrier spell? You want me to enchant the coconut?" He nodded. "You said we weren't using magic."

"I realized I was wrong. Sometimes, magic is necessary to fight dark magic."

Instead of a response, I took the coconut from him. I took a deep breath and centered myself. Pushing all else aside, I focused. Warmth filled my stomach and then transferred to my hands. The coconut glowed a light shade of purple, and then faded as the spell completed itself. I handed it back.

"Wrap it up just in case but that should work." I stood, "I should get going and come up with an excuse as to why I was gone." Bae only nodded. "Till next time."

He let me go without so much as a word. Was it really so crazy of me to think people can change? Sure, Peter's not perfect. Maybe there's a reason he does what he does, though. There was a reason I started living with the Evil Queen. I'm sure there is a reason he came to Neverland and a reason every Lost Boy joined him.

I made it back to camp. Felix tossed me a glance, standing next to a very groggy Connor. He didn't say anything. Neither did I. I entered my tent and dropped my bow onto my cot in the corner. My chest started to feel heavy. The boys were back, so Peter had to know what happened. I tried to shake it off, but every second felt like another minute of my life that I was lying. Seems that's pretty normal for me.

Dusk started to fall over the island. I snapped my fingers and lit my candle. The Lost Boys started their nightly gathering, only this time without the accompaniment of a pan flute. It wasn't until I walked outside that I was burdened by the joy of lying to someone's face.

"Perhaps you're a bit better than I give you credit for, Love." I turned to the left. Peter had his arms crossed, mischief alight in his green eyes. "I mean that was one heck of a sleeping spell. Connor, even now, is still quite useless." I opened my mouth to speak. He raised a hand to cut me off. "It's alright, Love, you don't have to explain yourself. I'm sure being watched is no fun at all."

"It isn't." I agreed.

"I apologize. I hadn't counted on you taking off like that. I just wanted to protect you. The island is dangerous." Peter's voice got soft and gentle. My heart fluttered ever so slightly before placing itself in my throat. If possible, I now felt worse.

"I can protect myself now," I managed.

He smiled, "I see that. I'm so proud, Love, you've clearly been working on it," he said, "The stars will be shining pretty brightly soon--that is, if you'll join me for a proper look at them."

What? I furrowed my brow. His smile lent itself to more of a smirk, but he never elaborated. Instead, he watched me mull over the intent of the invitation. I couldn't help the butterflies in my stomach, or the light blush on my cheeks.

"Y--you mean like a... date?" I stammered.

"Why not? Normally I'd be worried about the dangers of a Neverland night, but seeing as you've proven yourself what's the harm in getting away for a bit? Just us."

I broke into a smile, "why not?"

Sorry this took forever, lovelies. I had a college exam and was stressed. There was a lot, but I've got this out so I'm happy about that!

I hope you enjoy this chapter, and if you do I would appreciate a vote and some feedback!

I wonder how the date is going to go.

Yours truly,

The Black Rose <3